by | Apr 10, 2014 | Orthodontic Treatments
Can Orthodontic Expanders be used on the Lower Teeth to Avoid Extractions?
Not everyone has enough room in his or her mouth to accommodate all 32 teeth perfectly. In order for teeth to grow in a healthy manner, sufficient space often needs to be created for those people who do suffer from the problem of overcrowding. There are two ways that an orthodontist can use to make space available in your mouth. The first is through tooth extraction and the second through jaw expansion.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction can take place on just about anyone, but the expander device can be used if the mid-palatal suture is not fully mature and can be stretched. This is normally possible for children who have not yet reached 15 years of age. The two parts of the suture may be separated slowly through the minimal activation of expansion screws, which make up part of the expander. When a space appears in between the teeth, at the front, this is an assurance that the expander is doing its job
.
Lower Arch Expansion
Expansion on the lower arch presents more problems as there is no suture which is near to the teeth which can be expanded. An expander does not have to be used for the lower arch, but “uprighting” is an alternative method that can be utilized for expanding your lower jaws. This technique takes place through the tipping off of the teeth in the direction of the cheeks. The gaps that are formed in the lower arch occur due to the moving of the teeth and not bone movement. The process of tipping off the teeth is not a problem but there must be enough gums and bones positioned around the roots for this procedure to be used.
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by | Mar 20, 2014 | Orthodontic Treatments
Do Orthodontic Braces Cause White Spots on Teeth?
White spots that appear on the surface of your teeth are signs that these areas are going through a process of losing their mineral content. They are usually small pockets just under the surface which are caused by the presence of dental plaque. Cavities are caused in this way, too.
How are white spots formed?
What appears as white, chalky marks on the surface of the tooth occur when acids formed from the plaque dissolve minerals. This process alters the manner in which the surface reflects light. White spots are often located in areas which are difficult to brush which include between the gums and the brackets. White spots can often develop beneath gum tissue that has become swollen making detection more difficult. It is only when the braces have been removed and the swelling has subsided that detection is possible.
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by | Mar 18, 2014 | Tootbrushing Mistake
Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”
You might have a favorite toothbrush that you have used for years and just love the color and the feel of it, but this might not be the right thing to do. Old toothbrushes do not do your teeth any favors at all. The bristles become worn down and distorted and even fall out – leaving you with a matted mass of thriving bacteria that are just waiting to chew into your teeth.
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by | Mar 11, 2014 | Tootbrushing Mistake
Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”
It might be a surprise to you but the care of your toothbrush is extremely important. In fact, it is almost as important as the teeth cleaning process itself. Once you have finished your morning brushing and flossing session, you will most likely throw the used floss out with the trash but certainly not the toothbrush. Many people may leave it dripping wet on the side of the hand basin ready for its evening clean. That is what you certainly should not do.
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by | Feb 27, 2014 | Orthodontic Treatments
When is the right time for an orthodontic check-up?
People often wonder when they should first go for an orthodontic check-up. The American Association of Orthodontists has a simple answer to this question as they recommend that a child should pay his or her first visit to an orthodontist at 7 years of age.
This magic age of 7 has been earmarked as it is when the child is starting to gain a combination of both baby and permanent teeth. An early visit to the orthodontist will reveal any problems that are currently affecting the teeth. Once the baby teeth have all been lost and there is an underlying problem emerging, the permanent teeth may be at risk of damage later on. At a first consultation, the jaw and its relationship to the jawbone are closely scrutinized too.
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